Honiton Under 15's are picture playing Newton Abbot at the Allhallows ground on Sunday morning. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref mhsp 1084-02-12SH To order your copy of this photograph visit www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Honiton recorded a 34-6 win in Camborne against Veor to claim a bonus point win that saw them pull clear at the top of the Devon and Cornwall League, writes Nick Guilbert.

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Having won by just 10 points at home, the Lacemen knew only a performance of the highest level would be good enough against the robust Cornish outfit.

The Christmas break has done the Honiton men no harm at all, and enabled them to re-group and push forward. As they received the kick off and pushed up the slope it was clear from the opening exchanges that Honiton were the more positive side.

Within the first 10 minutes they had been held up over the line four times, and the home side were clearly rattled and on the rack. The Honiton pack held their own against the larger opposition eight and used their superior mobility to tidy up the ruck area.

A decent scrummage five yards out saw Honiton retain the ball and create room for Channing to cross through the gain line and under the posts. Soon Honiton were turning the screw and Channing was doing the damage with the boots. Four penalties before half time saw the Lacemen rack up a 19-0 lead.

Veor eventually rallied and gained some territory, scrimmaging from five yards after they had been held up over the line. However strong defence from the visitors pushed them back to the 22. As Honiton attacked in defence, they gave away a penalty which led to a 19-3 score at the break.

Honiton knew that although they had the slope in the second period they did not have the wind.

Predictably Veor came back at the Lacemen with some vigour for 20 minutes during the second period, but solid defence saw Honiton move into Veor territory and as the home side tired, Honiton’s superior fitness and flair started to break the home side down.

Honiton broke down the right and again it was Channing who crossed to score. Honiton’s scrum was dominant and it was disrupting the opposition on their ball, and providing the visiting backline with a good platform on their own ball.

Soon Honiton were through again and it was full back and Skipper Rice who evaded several tacklers on a fine solo run to cross to the right of the posts.

With a minute left, Veor kicked off again and the Lacemen knew that they needed just one more try to get the crucial bonus point. Hannay caught and offloaded to Guilbert who carried before another phase through Owen. With the ball spun wide to the left, the backs broke through the midfield and shifted the ball right. Selway was on hand, and drew the last man before offloading well to Cave who romped home from 40 yards to the delight of players and travelling support alike.

Next week Honiton face a sterner test in Crediton at home, and Honiton will need the towns support. Please come down if you can, for what promises to be a cracking game.